Recognition of November 1st as Veterans in the Arts and Humanities Day

Our colleagues, all veterans currently working in the arts and humanities and the over 700 American military veterans who have made significant contributions to our shared culture since the Revolutionary War deserve recognition and to be honored for their work.

USVAA’s initiative to recognize November 1st as Veterans in the Arts and Humanities Day is a significant step toward achieving that goal. Since 2012, the City of Los Angeles, The City of Culver City and Los Angeles County have recognized the date.

This year the County of Los Angeles and the State of Maine will recognize the date and in so doing honor veterans. We wish to thank the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, led by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and Bob Duchesne, Legislator for the State of Maine and James Emerson and The American Arts and Crafts Gallery for their leadership in this effort.

The following is a draft resolution for use by local, state and national government offices wishing to assist veterans who would like recognition for their artistic work and the work of other veterans on November 1st of each year.

R E S O L U T I O N

Recognition of November 1st as Veterans in the Arts and Humanities Day

WHEREAS, since the Revolutionary War and the founding of our great nation, military service members and veterans have been recognized as an important component of the well-being of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the arts and humanities are integral to the stature and recognition of the United States and the advancement and exchange of ideas, culture and civilization throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, since the founding of the United States of America, veterans have participated in traditional artistic endeavors such as literature, poetry, theater, painting, illustration, music and folk arts and crafts in both times of war and peace; and

WHEREAS, the arts are not only utilized as a means of raising awareness about issues affecting veterans, but also serve as a therapeutic outlet for returning veterans as they transition from military to civilian life; and

WHEREAS, the arts also foster an enhanced relationship between veterans and their community at home, providing an opportunity for their military experience to be combined with new skills that allow them to excel at jobs in the creative sector; and

WHEREAS, veterans returning from the most recent conflicts are exploring careers in the arts of all types, including film, television, radio, journalism, dance, ceramics, fine arts and crafts, literature, photography, multi-media and digital art; and

WHEREAS, the participation of veterans in the arts and humanities has contextualized and enriched the American experience for the citizens of the United States and served as a bridge between the citizens of our country and people around the world;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that by adoption of this resolution, the _________________________ hereby declares November 1, Veterans in the Arts and Humanities Recognition Day in the ______________________, in honor of veterans past and present for their contributions to the arts and humanities.